Educator Resources

Students will:

• research a specific dinosaur
• better understand how elements work together to create a strong piece of art work, in this case a three-dimensional form
• plan and work on a longterm project
• combine research based information with imaginary elements
• learn about the challenge of dealing with form and balance in sculpture
• make decisions about surface design

• Zoom website: http://pbskids.org/zoom/
• Google images of dinosaurs http://images.google.com/
• books with pictures of dinosaurs

• drawing paper
• pencils
• newspaper
• masking tape
• small cardboard boxes (assorted sizes and shapes brought in from home, pasta boxes, small cosmetic boxes, tea boxes)
• papier mâché
• acrylic paints
• paint brushes
• paper (to cover tables)
• trays for papier mâché
• white mural paper (not too heavy)
• brown mural paper (not too heavy)
• thin cardboard
• toilet paper and paper towel rolls
• sculpture wire and/or florist wire
• celluclay

• Prior to starting the dinosaur design project, students should meet with the science, library, and computer teachers.
• In library, students use the website “Zoom” to view pictures of dinosaurs. Each student will choose a dinosaur he or she would like to research and will gather written information about his or her dinosaur. This should only take one class.
• In computer class, students should print pictures of their chosen dinosaur from various angles, paying attention to its physical attributes. This provides an opportunity for the computer teacher to give a lesson in Internet research, Photoshop, etc. The students should keep all of the researched information in a folder.
• In science class, the students study a general background of Paleozoic times, along with behavior exhibited by dinosaurs, their habitat, and environment. This goes on while the students are building their dinosaurs.
• To set up for the dinosaur building, all of the supplies should be available on one table. Each individual table should have their own rolls of tape, with pieces on the edge of the table for easy access. Once papier mâché is used, make sure to cover the tables with paper. If students are still working on building, they are at a different table, so “dry” and “wet” tables are separate.
• Students should sketch the design of their dinosaurs based on the images they have collected. Encourage them to think about the proportions and particular features of the dinosaur.
• Once the students have completed their sketches, the teacher should give a demonstration on how to start building the dinosaur. Use newspaper and tape to shape a body, or start with a box (one that makes sense for the shape of the creature’s body) and glue or tape crumpled newspaper to create soft edges and puff out the body, etc. Make sure to use one piece of newspaper at a time to keep the form from getting heavy.
  Suggest to the students that they begin with the body or head, not the tail or legs.
• Pieces are made and taped together, adding more and more newspaper for bulk. The head should start as a ball of newspaper and the tail can be made by wrapping newspaper around a wire. Make sure the students keep their sketches and printed images in sight for reference.
• When the body is built, students will begin using papier mâché. The first layer should be newspaper; the second should be brown paper, alternating between the two so students can tell where they have already worked.
• When the dinosaur body is complete and stable, students can begin adding details like spikes and eyes. They can use celluclay for spikes or texture or cardboard covered with papier mâché for spikes or wings.
• The students can also put their dinosaur “in character.” For example, a dinosaur might be holding a guitar, a soccer ball, a cell phone, etc. Although it is important to build the structure “realistically” in terms of proportion and features, the students can “go wild” in terms of painting and decorating. Tissue paper works beautifully when applied to parts of the surface. While the goal is for the students to build a structurally sound dinosaur that stands on its own, you may need to attach a base, especially for younger students.

Most students really enjoy this process and are proud to exhibit their work. This has become a fifth grade tradition in the school, and younger students watch the progress and are excited to make their own when it is their turn.

It would be beneficial for the students to have more experiences with three-dimensional materials. Moving onto a more spontaneous project that requires quick thinking would build upon the skills they have learned.
 
Demonstrating and having students share their discoveries worked well. It is very helpful for the students to talk about the problems they are facing and share solutions. There are times when this project can pose challenges. It is hard work and requires patience.